Core Courses

Developmental Psychopathology
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits

What is the nature of psychological disorders that develop during childhood and adolescence, and how are these experienced by young people in Scandinavia? In this course, we will review the neurobiological and psychological features associated with the development and maintenance of disorders such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders by situating them within a broader sociocultural framework. For example, how do parental leave policies and parental stress impact prenatal and infant development? How does a modern welfare state address early detection and early intervention for developmental disorders, and how are the needs of youth with developmental disorders met – or not met – in the Swedish educational system? We will also review contemporary issues and controversies in the field, such as the discourse around neurodiversity/neurotypicality vs. a strictly medical model of illness and treatment.

Forensic Psychology
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits

What makes people commit crime? Are there gender differences? What is the role of perception? How are assessments and interventions conducted with those convicted of a serious crime, or those who have been the victim of a crime? Forensic psychology is explored from individual to societal levels, with critical analysis of and examples from a European perspective. Selected topics include cognitive, emotional, social, and neuropsychological approaches to the nature and treatment of criminal behavior.

Positive Psychology
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits

This course combines a study of theory, research, and application in the rapidly growing field of positive psychology. Critically examine the psychology of well-being with both its possibilities and limitations, focusing on topics such as positive emotions, character strengths, flow, flourishing, mindfulness, creativity, and post-traumatic growth within the context of culture and history. Investigate how positive psychology complements other areas of psychology, therapy, coaching, and communication, and how it can be applied in real-world, professional settings such as business development and the clinical context.



Core Course Study Tours

This program travels on Study Tours to the following destinations:

Developmental Psychopathology:

• Week-Long Study Tour: Madrid
• Core Course Week: Sweden

Forensic Psychology:

• Week-Long Study Tour: Edinburgh
• Core Course Week: Sweden

Positive Psychology:

• Week-Long Study Tour: Athens
• Core Course Week: Sweden

Early in the semester, you delve into your academic focus during Core Course Week, in which you travel on a short Study Tour for three days in Sweden, combined with a two-day seminar in Stockholm. Later in the semester, you travel again with your Core Course on a week-long Study Tour in Europe.

While on tour, theories learned in the classroom come to life by meeting with professionals and experts in your field who contribute to furthering your understanding of course topics. Study Tours are hands-on and experiential, combining theory with practice, and expose you to additional cultural perspectives. You have the opportunity to visit sites and experts in your field of interest that you may not otherwise have access too.

Elective Courses

Add elective courses to complement your Core Course at DIS Stockholm. You decide how to build your course load based on your needs and interests!

Electives range across disciplines and include research, labs, and even Exploration Electives, which come with a travel component.

Visit our website to view the full list of over 65 additional elective courses!